Indiana Grown Commission needs members

Lt. Gov. Sue Elspermann announced Thursday that the Indiana Grown Initiative Commission is now accepting applications for the twelve positions it has open.

The IGIC was signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence on March 27. The bill creates a commission that oversees the programs that market and promote Indiana-produced agriculture.

"The Indiana agriculture industry produces a wide variety of high quality products that Hoosiers can enjoy and use," Ellspermann said in a press release. "With the growing interest in home-grown products in our grocery stores and our restaurant menus, now is the perfect time to launch a marketing program to clearly identify those products grown or produced right here by Indiana farmers. I look forward to the input and support from the new Commission members on this initiative."

The twelve-member commission will provide guidance and direction to the staff of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture that will be responsible for connecting businesses - such as restaurants, grocers, wholesalers, processors, and farmers' markets - that use or sell agricultural products, with Indiana-based producers of meat, fruits, vegetables, wine and forest products.

"The Indiana Grown Initiative is an innovative and positive approach to creating a consumer preference for Hoosier grown products," Ted McKinney, Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) said in a press release. "The time is now to elevate Hoosier awareness of Indiana products. This initiative will act as the perfect catalyst to increase market awareness of locally grown and produced products in Indiana."

For more information on becoming a member of the IGIC commission visit www.in.gov/ISDA.

Jesse Wilson is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.